One of Marilyn Monroe's first starring roles, in Don't Bother to Knock (1952), gives a glimpse of the raw acting talent she possessed that was tragically underutilized in the remainder of her short career. A great supporting cast rounds out this film nicely... Richard Widmark, Jim Bacchus, Elisha Cook... and a young Anne Bancroft in an early role.
A couple in need of a babysitter make the bad decision of hiring Nell (Marilyn Monroe), an emotionally disturbed woman freshly released from the Asylum...
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| Don't Bother to Knock. 1952: Marilyn Monroe |
Nell can't seem to resist trying on the lady's fancy clothes...
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| Don't Bother to Knock. 1952: Marilyn Monroe |
jewelry and other accessories...
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| Don't Bother to Knock. 1952: Marilyn Monroe |
All of these adornments enhance her beauty for the man across the way at the hotel (Richard Widmark), who is in need of some female companionship after a tiff with his girl...
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| Don't Bother to Knock. 1952: Marilyn Monroe |
But he soon finds out that Nell is severely ill, as her mental capacity slips and she pines for a long lost love. The child she is watching interrupts them and the result is not very nurturing...
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| Don't Bother to Knock. 1952: Marilyn Monroe |
Nell is crazy. She has already attempted suicide once in the past. Something must be done...
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| Don't Bother to Knock. 1952: Marilyn Monroe |
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| Don't Bother to Knock. 1952: Marilyn Monroe |
